A River's Jewels

May 18, 1986

Thirty years ago, man created the Mullet Creek Islands in the Indian River from the remnants of a dredging project. Today the islands are a haven for wildlife. Birds nest there. Warm, shallow water around the islands gives manatees a winter resort. The river houses more rare and endangered species than any in North America.

Yet, the islands are under siege. Pollution threatens the river and developers have tried to put houses on the islands. If that happens it will be another example of how unmanaged growth is destroying Florida's environment.

Brevard County so far has kept development off the islands with tough zoning restrictions. But the islands' owners have sued over those limits. These court battles could continue unless government buys that land.

Brevard County residents have made their sentiments clear. In 1984, voters approved a property tax increase to buy environmentally sensitive waterfronts. The islands are such an area.

The islands are appraised at $660,000. Brevard has asked the state to split the cost of buying them and the committee that oversees land purchases will vote on the request this year. It's a bargain. Brevard has pushed hard to protect the islands. That effort warrants the state meeting Brevard halfway.